A cinquain poem is a five-line poem that is diamond-shaped. Start with a theme word (noun) and then use the pattern 1 noun, 2 adjectives, 3 gerunds, 1 full sentence, and finally a synonym for the first noun.

New Puzzle:
When beheading a word, remove the first letter and still have a valid word. The clue for, longer of the two words is first (behead the first word).
Example: a. Begin b. Sour, acidic Answer: Start and Tart.

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated. If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

There are two groups of four-letter words used in the sentences below. The first missing words (A) of each sentence are anagrams of each other, and the second missing words (B) are also anagrams of each other. Can you find them? (All the A words are anagrams of each other, and all the B words are anagrams of each other).

1. The hunters set a __A__ for the hare. How else were they to enjoy its succulent __B___ ?2. They all listened in __A__ attention as their leader spoke and motivated them to work as a __B__.3. There will always be a small __A__ of wildness in a cat, though it is considered to be a __B__ animal today.

Change the words in the sentence below as indicated. You can only change the exact word in the sequence given; after someone else has posted the next change, then you can post another change. For instance, student 1 writes #1 Subject Noun, and changes the subject noun; Student 2 writes #2 Direct Object Noun, and changes that noun. Each student only makes one change at a time and keeps to the order indicated.If you complete all 7 changes, then start making more changes again from 1 to 7. Each student should build on the changes that the previous students make.

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Online Resources

IDIOMS

If English is not your first language, then English idioms are probably difficult for you. The BBC has a site that provides interesting and crazy videos to explain a variety of idioms.

GRAMMAR GIRL!

For a humourous look at grammar and some of the stickier grammatical situations, check out Grammar Girl. There is a site called Quick and Dirty Tips, and there is also a series of podcasts available. A book on the same topic has just been published. For those of you who are on Facebook, you might like to become a fan of Grammar Girl.

ARE APOSTROPHES IMPORTANT?

There has been a debate in the media about the importance of apostrophes since Birmingham, a large city in England, banned apostrophes! What do you think? Read about the issues.

WHAT’S NEW IN PUNCTUATION?

Have you ever heard of the interrobang? It’s a symbol that is cross between a question mark and an exclamation mark. Check some background information about it, and listen to a CBC podcast that includes a discussion of this interesting punctuation mark. However, there is a word of warning--don’t use it in formal academic writing.

3. Enter your e-mail address and your password (English)—then you will see the My Wimba page.

4. Click on English 140—Introduction

5. Click on Introductory Message and then the forward arrow on the toolbar. You should then hear the message.

6. To reply, click on the Reply button and the forward button, and begin to record your message.

7. For more information about using WIMBA, please return to the WIMBA resource page and click on User Guide, Sound Tips, or Technical Help.

DEFINITIONS

Clause: A clause is a group of words containing a subject and a verb.Independent clause: A clause that can be used alone as a sentence and that does not need any other grammatical construction: e.g. He hit the ball over the fence.Dependent clause:A clause that cannot form a separate sentence; there must be an independent clause for it to modify: e.g. When Peter played baseball, he hit the ball over the fence.Phrase:A group of words used together to express an idea but without a subject and a verb: e.g. In the game yesterday, he hit the ball over the fence.

PUNCTUATION BASICS

1. When using an introductory phrase, remember to set it off with a comma.2. If you have an introductory dependent clause, set it off with a comma.3. Two independent clauses can be more difficult; use a semicolon to separate them if there is no coordinating conjunction, but use a comma if there is a one.